Tottenham have reportedly shortlisted Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as a target for the final few days of the summer transfer window. Thomas Frank’s side are keen to acquire the services of a centre-back before Monday’s deadline, with a number of options being explored.
Spurs have endured a rollercoaster of a window, missing out on a host of their primary targets to rivals – including Eberechi Eze, with their deal with Crystal Palace being hijacked by Arsenal at the eleventh hour.
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But Tottenham appear to have taken a leaf out of their suitors’ books, as transfer hijacks are firmly on the agenda at Hotspur Way. Spurs acted quickly to lure Xavi Simons away from Chelsea’s grasp, with the playmaker set to pen a seven-year contract with Tottenham after a £51.8million deal was struck with RB Leipzig.
Now, Tottenham have turned their attention to bolstering their defensive ranks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have approached Premier League rivals City over a deal for Akanji, who has attracted plenty of interest in recent weeks.
Galatasaray previously approached City over a deal, with AC Milan entering the frame earlier this week as well. Both sides are willing to pay £15million to secure the signature of the former Borussia Dortmund star, but Akanji has not agreed on personal terms with either club.
Tottenham are therefore looking to pounce, and they have shortlisted the versatile defender as one of three options to explore in the final few days of the summer transfer window.
During his time at Brentford, Frank showcased his tactical flexibility by deploying a back-three in some matches, and the arrival of Akanji would also facilitate that given that the Danish boss currently does not have a plethora of options in the centre-back department.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs ramp up their interest in the City star sooner rather than later, or whether the other two names on the shortlist are viewed as more attainable targets. Tottenham also want to sign another forward, despite the imminent arrival of Simons from Leipzig.